THE RINK AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER to Open for the 2014-2015 Season on Monday, October 13

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The start of the 2014-15 winter season in New York will kick off with the opening of The Rink at Rockefeller Center, the most famous ice rink in the world, on Monday, October 13, 2014.

The occasion will be marked with a performance by Sochi Olympic Ice Dancing Gold Medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White, the first Americans to ever win the title. Following the performance, Davis and White will be joined by New York Rangers Ice Hockey Legend Rod Gilbert, who will lead a ceremonial first public skate around the Rink with young skaters from the Ice Theatre of New York and the Figure Skating in Harlem Foundation. The performance by Davis and White will air on NBC's TODAY Show from 8:30am – 9:00am and the first skate is 9:00am – 11:00am. 

Both a symbol of the spirit of the American family and an international cultural landmark, The Rink is a must-visit destination beloved by generations of locals and visitors to New York City alike. This season The Rink introduces new packages and family-friendly experiences to engage and delight guests, highlighting iconic Rockefeller Center® experiences including the "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" as well as holiday classics such as Breakfast with Santa, with advance reservations available online. 

"The Rink is just as exciting and iconic as it was when it first opened on Christmas Day in 1936, and no visit to New York City is complete without it,"  said Nick Valenti, restaurateur and CEO of Patina Restaurant Group, which operates The Rink and its surrounding restaurants. "Whether you are an Olympic-caliber skater like Meryl and Charlie or someone who is just getting on skates for the first time, The Rink is a wonderful destination to include in your winter travel and tourism plans."

Always the first ice rink in New York to open each year, Rink regulars and first-timers always delight in the First Skate. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is one of the most visited sites in the world, with more than a quarter of a million skaters visiting annually.

The Rink offers a variety of packages for skaters this season, giving visitors a quintessential holiday experience that will have everyone dreaming of a White Christmas.

For prices and details and booking on each please visit: www.therinkatrockcenter.com

• NEW THIS YEAR: Season Passes to the Rink at Rockefeller Center:
  • Guests can enjoy the magic of ice skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center (without waiting on lines) all season long! Get a full season of unlimited skating time for just $275.
• "Radio City Christmas Spectacular" Show Packages:
  • Guests have the opportunity to experience the ultimate holiday package which combines orchestra tickets to the Christmas Spectacular with a VIP Skating Experience at The Rink at Rockefeller Center and a three-course meal at Rock Center Cafe or The Sea Grill.
• VIP Skating:
  • A first-class experience that gets guests on the ice immediately, bypassing the line, through the exclusive rink-side Igloo. Skate concierges assist with skates and refreshments including hot cocoa, coffee, freshly baked cookies and more. Available beginning October 18, 2014
• First Skate:
  • First Skate of the Day allows you to reserve at 7am, the first session of the day, getting you on the ice faster and before anyone else in NYC. Skate rentals and complimentary coffee and hot chocolate are included!
  • NEW THIS YEAR –  First Skate + Bountiful Breakfast: guests can head over to the comfortable dining room at Rock Center Cafe after their First Skate session. There, they will  be treated to a relaxing, delicious breakfast prepared for by our chefs. Whether headed to the office or out for a day of shopping, there's no better way to start a day in Manhattan this holiday season.
• Breakfast with Santa:                            
  • From late November through Christmas Eve, families can join St. Nick at Rock Center Cafe and The Sea Grill for a delicious breakfast, special sweets, and gifts given by the elves, before heading to the ice for a special skate session. A beloved tradition that brings Christmas to life for any child.
• Engagement on Ice:                             
  • I Do! Available throughout the season, The Rink has created three packages to offer couples an unforgettable engagement, with private ice time for their proposal, a rink-side Champagne toast and optional dinner packages.   
• Sky Skate:
  • A view from above and below! Beginning in January, Sky Skate combines two essential NYC experiences for an incredible value– offering guests the opportunity to take a spin on the ice at The Rink and a visit to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5^th Avenue between 49^th and 50^th Streets. For schedules, skate rental information, and to purchase programs, guests may visit www.therinkatrockcenter.com or call 212.332.7654.  VIP Reservations available at 212.332.7605.

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SOURCE The Rink at Rockefeller Center